[rlh2424]

I'm planning a prairie dog shooting trip this coming summer, and would like some advice on choosing a good rifle. Has anyone used the single-shot varmit rifles for shooting prairie dogs or should I choose a bolt action? How do Savage varmit rifles group?

Any tips would help me, thanks.

 

[Ladobe]

Welcome to the P&V Forum, and to the GBO family.

Almost any accurate, flat shooting weapon can be used for PD's out to the range limit of the sights/scope and the particular cartridge being shot - in either a rifle or pistol. I use any of several single shot High Walls, Low Walls, Contenders, Encores, XP-100's and single-shot bolt rifles - also a few bolt repeaters.

For PD's, the repeaters are not really necessary, and generally not quite as accurate as a single-shot would be. So it's pretty much a matter of personal choice - what appeals to you for your choice of gun. I'm not a Savage fan, but they do make a great entry level choice and offer a lot of bang for the dollar spent. Most of them are quite accurate right out of the box. Buy plenty of scope for your particular shooting situation - and make it the best quality you can afford (you can't hit what you can't see).

Good luck.

 

[KN]

I started out using an Encore in 22/250 for P-dogs and the next year I changed to a Rem 700. The reason is that you will have to re-aquire your target every time you miss with a single shot if you have to break the action. With a bolt gun you can pretty much keep your target between shots while chambering another round. Some of those little rats are sneaky if you don't keep your eye on them. I also have a Savage 110 tactical in 25/06 that I use for the long shots. Accuracy is usually very good in the Savage rifles. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another. One other thing I am going to do this year is take a 14" contender pistol in 17HMR with a 4.5x14 rifle scope on it just for the ocasional one that pops up within 150yds. It should be a blast gettin some of those. Shooting P-dogs is a blast, Have fun. KN

 

[longwinters]

Just depends on what blows your hair back. I never minded having to re-aquire the target when shooting my contender pistol. But I enjoyed shooting it enough to make it worth it. I also shoot bolt action and I enjoy the rifle for what it is. Is either one "better" . . . nope just different. Shoot what fits your personality. What gives you the biggest thrill and sense of accomplishment. Like KN said there are pros and cons. He seems to like them both just like me.

 

[KN]

Yeah they make a pretty good P-dog gun. Put together a 20" bull barell 223 contender for my 12yr old daughter and she is deadly with that rifle. Out to 300yds I don't have any thing on her. KN